Mach 1 vs. Cobra

[norcal_cobra]

Been seeing folks with '03 Mach 1's claiming to beat '01 Cobras. I guess this makes sense, since Team Ford apparently used the '01 Cobra as the benchmark for performeance when designing the Mach 1. Also looks like the Mach 1's are dyno testing pretty strong. Somthing tells me that there is not nearly as much to unleash with the typical bolt-ons on the Mach 1 as opposed to the '03 Cobra though.

[arboc96]

then go beyond typical bolt ons with the 03 Mach 1...its the only logical step ;)

[norcal_cobra]

Oh no, I have an 03 Cobra. Was just making some observations I've been hearing regarding the Mach 1's....

-norcal_cobra

[Jhendrix]

Just made some vette owner real unhappy yesterday......With just 1,500 miles on it, I've been taking it real easy but temptation being what it is..and this being the "giving" season...:tmb:

[sibs4972]

Originally posted by norcal_cobra
Somthing tells me that there is not nearly as much to unleash with the typical bolt-ons on the Mach 1 as opposed to the '03 Cobra though.

That makes sense as one is supercharged and the other isn't. I'm not trying to flame you, just stating the obvious. I personally like the look of 'em (opposed to the 99-01 Cobra) plus a 4.6DOHC with a solid axle is grrrrrrrreat. :beer: By the way, Merry Christmas everybody.

[Jstas]

I doubt that the Mach 1 is making any more power than the 01 Cobras. They use the same engine. About the only difference is the intake system with the shaker hood. Good for maybe 5-10 horses max.

Yes, the Mach 1 is running faster than the 01 Cobra because of one major difference. IRS vs. Live Axle. The Cobra has IRS. It's not any good for drag racing. There is too much flex and more power gets wasted making the car squat than it does in a live axle car. In addition, when the rear of the car squats in an IRS, the wheels go off camber in the rear and reduce the tire patch contacting the ground. Less tire contact, less traction and less surface area in contact with the ground to get power to the ground. It all makes for reduced times. The live axle keeps the wheels square with the ground. It's not as great over bumps and weight transition in turns is not as good as an IRS setup but it still works effectivly. But a live axle car with 320 horses matched up against an equal car with it's only difference being an IRS, the live axle car will blow the doors off the IRS car in a drag race.

Another factor that weighs into it all is, if I am not mistaken, the Mach 1 is a couple hundred pounds lighter than the Cobra. Better power to weight ratios equals faster times.

There isn't too much else to it. The Mach 1 is based on a GT chassis. So is the Cobra but the Cobra has the IRS. They are the same yet very different.

[Steve Bassen]

The Mach1 has different heads, different cams, and a slightly different intake manifold than the 01 Cobra. From the dynos I've seen so far, it makes only slightly more HP than previous n/a 4.6's, but its torque is huge in comparison to the prior models. Try 340-360ftlbs at the flywheel. I know Team Mustang is in the habit of under-rating these days, but something tells me they didn't expect it the Mach1's offical numbers (300/320) to be quite that under rated.

[Jstas]

Either way, it doesn't account for the more than 1 second time differences I have seen people come up with between the 01 Cobra's high to mid 13's and the Mach 1's low 13's to high 12's.

IMO, the Mach 1 should have been brought out a long time ago. The Camaro and Firebird probably wouldn't have lasted past 2000 if the Mustang was going for 25-27K and blowing off 12.9's at the drag strip. I just wish the Mach 1 wasn't a limited edition car.

[arboc96]

Originally posted by Steve Bassen
The Mach1 has different heads, different cams, and a slightly different intake manifold than the 01 Cobra. From the dynos I've seen so far, it makes only slightly more HP than previous n/a 4.6's, but its torque is huge in comparison to the prior models. Try 340-360ftlbs at the flywheel. I know Team Mustang is in the habit of under-rating these days, but something tells me they didn't expect it the Mach1's offical numbers (300/320) to be quite that under rated.

offical numbers from ford.com are:

305 hp @ 5800 rpm / 320 lb-ft. @ 4200 rpm

:)

[NeilBerry]

Facts:

My stock 2001 Cobra was able reach 148 mph on the Bonneville salt flats.

A stock 2001 Bullitt said he hit 157 mph during a practice run in Elko NV.

A Bullitt has less horsepower than a Cobra, yet probably acheived a higher top end.

The Mach I might also have some non-paper performance ability.

I personally would want an Indendant Rear Suspension (which is not available on the Bullitt or Mach I).